Paʻiniu or Menzies' astelia Asteliaceae Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands Hawaiʻi Island (Cultivated)  Early Hawaiians used the silvery leaves in lei. Hats were braided from the shiny outer leaves, sometimes with other plant materials, as a sign that one had visited Kīlauea Crater.  Paʻiniu was rarely used for house thatch.  The leaves are still incorporated in modern lei for neck, head, wrist, ankle, and for the horse.  NPH00001 nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Astelia_menziesiana